Yes, e-mail. With messaging incorporated into most social media platforms, you might, for a second, think that e-mail is dead. Think again. Sure, many people use social media to communicate but think about this: when was the last time you checked your e-mail? Today? An hour ago? We rest our case. E-mail may not be the star of the show now but it most certainly is not dead.
So now that we got that out of the way, you should now understand why asking your social media agency to help you integrate your e-mail campaign and your social media efforts is vital. For starters, integrating extends your reach and with the right kind of metrics, you can identify and focus on your key influencers. Plus, of course, it gives you more opportunities for growth. Integration also gives your subscribers more options which will then give you additional brownie points.
Courtesy of the Social Media Examiner, here are our tips for integrating your e-mail and social media marketing campaigns. Don’t forget to send this to your social media agency!
1. Incorporate social icons in your e-mails. Place where it can be seen immediately. Make it really noticeable and put it where it matters. (So this eliminates the option of putting your social icons under the page.) We know this sounds really obvious but you’ll be surprised at how a lot of websites ignore this simple tip.
2. Ask subscribers to share and connect. So you’ve got the icon. What will they do with it? Again, it does seem obvious but don’t count on it! Tell them explicitly. Say it in a creative way or say it in a funny way. Just say it.
3. Send a dedicated e-mail campaign. Do this if you and your social media agency feel that you are not getting major success from your regular e-mails. Send a dedicated e-mail (make sure it’s not a one-time thing) about your Facebook campaign and let them know what they can get from liking your page or from being a fan. Also, make sure you have content worth sharing on that social account.
4. Give them an incentive. It does not have to be financial. For example, you can give subscribers free space on your next e-mail blast so that’s free advertising for them (especially if your market includes fellow merchants). A little something extra or free is always appreciated.
We’re not done yet! Come back tomorrow for the second part of this post.
